RAIL strikes will continue despite a Government pledge to a commit to a key issue in an ongoing dispute between a train company and its workers.

Department for Transport bosses said they would ensure a second person would be kept on trains run by operator Northern following months of campaigning by workers to stop the introduction of driver-only trains.

Rail workers have taken part in strikes every Saturday for the past 37 weeks in an effort to stop Northern removing guards from its services, causing disruption for passengers.

Bosses from Northern said they would welcome a stop to the strikes following news that a second person would be retained.

And a member of Furness Line Action was pleased the dispute was showing signs of being resolved.

But the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union said it would keep striking until it got "clarity" from the Government and the company on what the role of the second person would be.

RMT relief regional organiser for the north Craig Johnston said: "We will keep striking because we need clarity from the Government and from Northern on what exactly the role of the second person will be.

"It is important the person has the same safety training as the guard does now.

"We want a negotiation not a mystery tour.

"Until we can secure talks we will continue to do strike."

RMT released a statement offering to suspend strikes this weekend if clarity was provided by the Government and Northern before lunchtime today (Friday).

Robert Parker of the Furness Line Action Group welcomed a commitment to keep a second person on Northern trains.

He said: "It made sense to keep another person on the train because without a guard trains would not be able stop at unmanned stations.

"It would cost more to employ station staff than to keep guards on trains.

"I welcome signs of an agreement and I hope it means that RMT strikes will be suspended."